How I do it: dorsolateral approach for ventrolateral intramedullary cavernoma

For small and lateral lesions, in order to avoid postoperative sequelae related to dorso-median myelotomy, we propose to describe the use of a ventrolateral approach for intramedullary lesions.

Performing this approach entails that the denticulate ligament is cut from its dural attachment and retracted. Rotation of the spinal cord must be achieved with great caution and under electrophysiological monitoring. After pia mater incision, hydrodissection is useful to gently dissect the cavernoma and promote a cleavage plane.

In the case of lateral intramedullary lesions, using this approach maximized the absence of postoperative deficit.